DOCSLIB.ORG

The Academy of Medical Sciences Review 2006 Fmedsci Contents

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Academy of Medical Sciences Review 2006 Fmedsci Contents The Academy of Medical Sciences Review 2006 FMedSci Contents 1 The Academy’s objectives and ambitions for medical science 2 A message from our President 4 Executive Director’s report 6 The strength of our Fellowship 8 How we work 10 Progress through partnership 12 Celebrating science 14 Advancing medical science and infl uencing policy 16 Building trust in science 18 Working in partnership with industry 20 The impact of research 22 Creating the next generation of medical scientists 24 Financial information 25 The Academy offi ce 14 16 18 20 22 The Academy’s objectives and ambitions for medical science The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes advances in medical science and campaigns to ensure these are converted as quickly as possible into healthcare benefi ts for society. Our 850 Fellows are the UK’s leading medical scientists from hospitals and general practice, academia, industry and the public service. Our Fellows are central to all we do. The excellence of their science, their contribution to medicine and society and the diversity of their achievements are refl ected throughout this review. The Academy seeks to play a pivotal role in determining the future of medical science in the UK, and the benefi ts that society will enjoy in years to come. We champion the UK’s strengths in medical science, including the unique opportunities for research aff orded by the NHS, encourage the implementation of new ideas and solutions – often through novel partnerships, promote careers and capacity building and help to remove barriers to progress. Throughout all our work the Academy strives to demonstrate our key attributes of excellence, independence, leadership, diversity and fl exibility. Modern medicine requires a multi-disciplinary approach – both in research and in the formation of public policy. The Academy off ers an integrated and independent national resource with the expertise and authority to deal with public policy issues in healthcare in their widest scientifi c and societal contexts. As we approach our tenth anniversary we have clear goals to guide our work, and a well-researched and considered programme to reach our objectives. At the heart of our strategy for the next fi ve years are these objectives: 1. To encourage the pursuit of internationally competitive medical science and the translation of that knowledge, and its associated technologies, from the laboratory bench to the delivery of healthcare. 2. To infl uence the development and implementation of national policy in matters of medical science and healthcare. 3. To engage with the public to build confi dence in the practice of medical research and to address public concerns. 4. To attract and develop the brightest individuals to careers in biomedical science. 5. To contribute to developments and improvements in global health. THE ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES REVIEW 2006 1 A message from our President As my term of offi ce draws to a close I refl ect on how much has changed during Professor Sir Keith Peters the Academy’s short life. I have no doubt that UK science in general, and medical FRS PMedSci science in particular, is now healthier than it was a decade ago. In the wake of John Bell’s report Strengthening Clinical Research, the creation of the UKCRC and the Walport report1 on clinical academic careers are major gains for our community. There is now a general recognition by government of the strategic importance of medical science to the UK, as a contributor to the health of our citizens and others, especially in the developing world, and as key to the success of our health-related industries, notably pharma, biotechnology and medical equipment. The Academy’s focus on translating medical science into clinical benefi t puts us at centre stage of national policy debates. The Academy welcomed the review of UK health research funding undertaken by Sir David Cooksey and supported the underlying principle of creating a holistic UK health research and development system with the appropriate leadership, governance, resources and culture. No other country enjoys the outstanding opportunity for clinical research represented by the NHS which, if its potential is realised, off ers an unparalleled advantage for UK plc. However this optimism must be guarded. The shift towards the delivery of healthcare by the private sector, with no duty to support teaching and research, represents a risk that may deny UK academic medicine this major competitive advantage. The Academy is in good shape. We have a small but outstanding team at 10 Carlton House Terrace and I know that everyone who has worked with them will join me in expressing great thanks for everything they do. As President, I have had excellent support from my colleagues on the Academy’s Council. I want to express my particular appreciation to Colin Dollery, who stood down as Treasurer in 2005, and to Patrick Vallance who served as Registrar until July 2006. I hand over to John Bell with my enthusiasm for the work of the Academy undiminished. I believe we have fulfi lled the brief set out for us by the Academy’s founder President, Peter Lachmann, to become the leading voice for academic medicine in the UK. Eight years ago the Academy did not exist. It is hard now to imagine medical science without it. 1 Medically and dentally qualifi ed academic staff : Recommendations for training the researchers and educators of the future. Published by the UKCRC and MMC March 2005. 2 THE ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES REVIEW 2006 3 Executive Director’s report For the Academy of Medical Sciences, now eight years old, success has come in many guises: the number of published policy studies and their evident impact on UK national healthcare policy, the election of excellent medical scientists to the Fellowship from across the academic spectrum, the development of forceful and eff ective strategic partnerships throughout the scientifi c community and the continued expansion of the Academy’s operations, together with an enhanced reputation nationally and internationally. We – the Fellows, Offi cers, Council and staff – have worked hard to achieve this. In this document I have the pleasure of highlighting specifi c achievements and thanking the very many people who have given their time and expertise to the Academy. I would also like to thank our many generous donors and sponsors. Their commitment to the promotion of medical science for public benefi t, and their support for the work of this Academy, has been invaluable. Mrs Mary Manning Executive Director Mrs Mary Manning Public policy in medical science and Testing antibody therapies, an independent Executive Director healthcare commentary on the scientifi c issues raised by The Academy is playing an increasingly pivotal role the TGN1412 clinical trial (April 2006); and an in the formulation of policy and funding decisions international symposium, with speakers drawn that underpin academic medicine in the UK. Two from the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe years ago we took a strategic decision to broaden in June 2005 to examine the socio-economic the Fellowship in order to expand the breadth benefi ts of medical research. This resulted in the of expertise and thus we have elected lawyers, publication Medical research: assessing the benefi ts science writers, ethicists, mathematicians, industrial to society (June 2005). chemists and economists to the membership. Much of the public policy debate over the In addition we have actively sought strategic autumn and winter of 2005 was dominated by partnerships that cut across traditional disciplinary the possibility of an infl uenza pandemic. boundaries to promote and champion key policy A private meeting for Fellows with the Chief issues. The success of this strategy is evident from Medical Offi cer, Sir Liam Donaldson FMedSci, the comments of colleagues on page 10. was convened for the purpose of improving UK In the past two years, the Academy has addressed preparedness in the face of such a threat, and the a number of major policy issues with profound discussion contributed to our response to the societal implications: Safer Medicines (November House of Lords Science and Technology Select 2005), produced by experts drawn from industry Committee inquiry into ‘Pandemic Infl uenza’. and academe; Personal data for public good: using This is also the subject of a joint study with the health information in medical research (January Royal Society Pandemic infl uenza: science to policy 2005), highlighting the vital role of patient data in (November 2006). contributing to scientifi c advances in healthcare; 4 The recent formation of the All Party Parliamentary The Academy has continued to oversee and support Group on Medical Research has provided a forum for the progress of the Fellows funded by The Health sharing advice and information with MPs and Peers. Foundation, the Allgemeines Treuunternehmen The Academy’s 2005 work on the Mental Capacity Foundation and the Primary Immunodefi ciency and Human Tissue Bills illustrated the benefi ts of Association. In 2005, the non-clinical careers using Fellows to provide evidence in support of policy committee, chaired by Professor Keith Gull FRS positions and of initiating strategic collaborations FMedSci, undertook a review of non-clinical research with other organisations; in these instances the MRC, fellowships in the biomedical sciences, The Freedom Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, Association of to Succeed (July 2005). The report has already made an Medical Research Charities and the Royal College of impact on the policies of major funders. Physicians. The Academy offi ce From time to time the Academy undertakes specifi c The staff , only 12 in number, bring considerable commissions from government. ‘Brain science, talent and energy to the work of the Academy. Their addiction and drugs’, was commissioned by the dedication, commitment and willingness to take Department of Health in August 2005.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • RACI E-News November 2019
    RACI E-News November 2019 I was particularly excited to see in the October Newsletter that some 31 new members have joined the RACI family! It is also encouraging to find 17 student members within the group. I like to extend a special welcome to all of you. I look forward to meeting many of you in upcoming events organised by the interest groups and regional sections of the Branch. Please remember to be involved to Inside this Issue make the best of your RACI membership. This also highlights the need for our 1 Message from the groups and sections to organise more events that engage with both undergraduate President and postgraduate students. It also reminds me that we are fast approaching the 2 Calendar of Events end-of-semester time of the year and many students will need to cope with 3 Blueprint for Career examinations, thesis submission, etc. I wish all students the very best of luck in Success in STEMM-6 Nov 2019 completing the requirements of your study programs this year. 4 The Australasian Laboratory Management A major event in October was the annual general meeting of the Branch. Conference, Sydney Approximately 30 members attended the meeting and were all enlightened by a 11-13 November 2019 presentation covering the National Indigenous Science Education Program by 5 AGM of the NSW Branch- Associate Professor Joanne Jamie (Macquarie University). I like to take this 17 October 2019 opportunity to again express my gratitude to the outgoing committee for your hard 6 NSW BDDG Event-15 October 2019 work in the past 12 months.
    [Show full text]
  • TRINITY COLLEGE Cambridge Trinity College Cambridge College Trinity Annual Record Annual
    2016 TRINITY COLLEGE cambridge trinity college cambridge annual record annual record 2016 Trinity College Cambridge Annual Record 2015–2016 Trinity College Cambridge CB2 1TQ Telephone: 01223 338400 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.trin.cam.ac.uk Contents 5 Editorial 11 Commemoration 12 Chapel Address 15 The Health of the College 18 The Master’s Response on Behalf of the College 25 Alumni Relations & Development 26 Alumni Relations and Associations 37 Dining Privileges 38 Annual Gatherings 39 Alumni Achievements CONTENTS 44 Donations to the College Library 47 College Activities 48 First & Third Trinity Boat Club 53 Field Clubs 71 Students’ Union and Societies 80 College Choir 83 Features 84 Hermes 86 Inside a Pirate’s Cookbook 93 “… Through a Glass Darkly…” 102 Robert Smith, John Harrison, and a College Clock 109 ‘We need to talk about Erskine’ 117 My time as advisor to the BBC’s War and Peace TRINITY ANNUAL RECORD 2016 | 3 123 Fellows, Staff, and Students 124 The Master and Fellows 139 Appointments and Distinctions 141 In Memoriam 155 A Ninetieth Birthday Speech 158 An Eightieth Birthday Speech 167 College Notes 181 The Register 182 In Memoriam 186 Addresses wanted CONTENTS TRINITY ANNUAL RECORD 2016 | 4 Editorial It is with some trepidation that I step into Boyd Hilton’s shoes and take on the editorship of this journal. He managed the transition to ‘glossy’ with flair and panache. As historian of the College and sometime holder of many of its working offices, he also brought a knowledge of its past and an understanding of its mysteries that I am unable to match.
    [Show full text]
  • Who Owns CRISPR-Cas9? Nobel Prize 2020 Fuels Dispute
    chemistrychemistry December 2020–February 2021 in Australia Who owns CRISPR-Cas9? Nobel Prize 2020 fuels dispute chemaust.raci.org.au • Scientific posters: the bigger picture • RACI National Awards winners • Science for and in diplomacy www.rowe.com.au Online 24 hours 7 days a week, by phone or face to face, we give you the choice. INSTRUMENTS - CONSUMABLES - CHEMICALS - SERVICE & REPAIRS A 100% Australian owned company, supplying scientific laboratories since 1987. South Australia & NT Queensland Victoria & Tasmania New South Wales Western Australia Ph: (08) 8186 0523 Ph: (07) 3376 9411 Ph: (03) 9701 7077 Ph: (02) 9603 1205 Ph: (08) 9302 1911 ISO 9001:2015 LIC 10372 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] SAI Global REF535 X:\MARKETING\ADVERTISING\CHEMISTRY IN AUSTRALIA December 2020–February 2021 38 cover story Who owns CRISPR-Cas9? Nobel Prize in Chemistry stokes patent dispute 14 The ongoing intellectual property ownership dispute over the CRISPR-Cas9 technology has recently been refuelled by the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020. iStockphoto/Bill Oxford 18 #betterposter 4 From the President There’s a movement for better posters at science conferences. But are they 5 Your say really better? And how does poster push relate to the ongoing campaign for news & research open science? 6 News 7 On the market 8 Research 12 Education research members 22 2020 National Awards winners 18 25 RACI news 26 New Fellows 27 Obituaries views & reviews 30 Books 33 Science↔society 34 Literature & learning 36 Technology & innovation 38 Science for fun 40 Grapevine 41 Letter from Melbourne 42 Cryptic chemistry 42 Events chemaust.raci.org.au from the raci From the President This is my first President’s column and I would like to start by ..
    [Show full text]
  • October 2017 -Compressed
    The October 2017 Newsletter of The GP-TCM Research Association Editorials 1. The 1000 Medicinal Plant Genome Project (1KMPG) Professor Chang Liu Institute of Medicinal Plant Development Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing, People's Republic of China E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] The market share of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) in the health-care industry has continuously grown inside of China in the past years. The annual sales of all TCMs related products are expected to exceed one trillion RMB in the next few years. Nevertheless, the TCMs have not been well accepted by the Western countries to the levels it is expected. Despite the large investment in the development of TCM drugs, relative few numbers of novel TCM drugs have reached the market comparing with those for small molecule drugs. One of the reasons is the complexity of TCM drugs as a result of the high degree of diversities in the raw materials used to make up of medicines. In order to tackle the complexity problems of TCMs from the very root, accurate determination of the genetic composition of raw herbal materials is a must. In recent years, several attempts have been made to obtain the complete genome sequences of medicinal fungi and plants. These include Ganoderma lucidum [1], Ganoderma Sinense [2], Salvia miltiorrhiza [3], Panax notoginseng [4] and etc. The completion of these work have lifted medicinal plant research and development into a new level. However, these efforts are usually driven by individual research group, a coordinated effort will optimize the resources for effective execution of these projects.
    [Show full text]
  • Scientific Connections Conf
    MARCH 11-12, 2021 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET The Scientific Connections Conference, presented by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) and Ann & Gordon Brown, will virtually host presentation tracks spanning across the applied STEM disciplines while featuring a diverse group of speakers to include Astronaut Scholar Alumni to current Astronaut Scholars, representing the 35+ years the scholarship has been in existence, paired with additional industry speakers. SPOTLIGHT SPEAKERS PANKAJ MANDAL, PH.D. JAMES MAULT, MD. SIR GREGORY WINTER Senior Staff Fellow, CEO and Chairman, MRC Laboratory of MolecUlar Biology FDA/CBER BioIntelliSense, Inc. 2018 Chemistry Nobel Prize LaUreate Gene Therapy and Genome Editing- Medical Grade COVID Screening at Pharmaceuticals: From Chemicals to based Novel Therapeutics Scale with the BioButton Biologicals and Back Again? REGISTRATION General Registration StUdent Registration $30 for ThUrsday $15 for ThUrsday $30 for Friday $15 for Friday $50 for ThUrsday & Friday $25 for ThUrsday & Friday To register, please visit: https://astronautscholarship.org/scientificconnections2021.html SCIENTIFIC CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE | Visit: https://astronautscholarship.org/scientificconnections2021.html | Email: [email protected] DAY ONE: MARCH 11, 2021 TRACK ONE: SPACE/ENGINEERING 10:00 AM Event IntrodUction 10:20 AM Spotlight Speaker Presentation: James MaUlt, MD, CEO & Chairman of BioIntelliSense, Inc. 10:45 AM Spotlight Speaker Q&A: James MaUlt, MD, CEO & Chairman of BioIntelliSense, Inc. 11:00 AM Session 1 Presentations
    [Show full text]
  • SHALOM NWODO CHINEDU from Evolution to Revolution
    Covenant University Km. 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria Website: www.covenantuniversity.edu.ng TH INAUGURAL 18 LECTURE From Evolution to Revolution: Biochemical Disruptions and Emerging Pathways for Securing Africa's Future SHALOM NWODO CHINEDU INAUGURAL LECTURE SERIES Vol. 9, No. 1, March, 2019 Covenant University 18th Inaugural Lecture From Evolution to Revolution: Biochemical Disruptions and Emerging Pathways for Securing Africa's Future Shalom Nwodo Chinedu, Ph.D Professor of Biochemistry (Enzymology & Molecular Genetics) Department of Biochemistry Covenant University, Ota Media & Corporate Affairs Covenant University, Km. 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria Tel: +234-8115762473, 08171613173, 07066553463. www.covenantuniversity.edu.ng Covenant University Press, Km. 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria ISSN: 2006-0327 Public Lecture Series. Vol. 9, No.1, March, 2019 Shalom Nwodo Chinedu, Ph.D Professor of Biochemistry (Enzymology & Molecular Genetics) Department of Biochemistry Covenant University, Ota From Evolution To Revolution: Biochemical Disruptions and Emerging Pathways for Securing Africa's Future THE FOUNDATION 1. PROTOCOL The Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Regents of Covenant University, Dr David O. Oyedepo; the Vice-President (Education), Living Faith Church World-Wide (LFCWW), Pastor (Mrs) Faith A. Oyedepo; esteemed members of the Board of Regents; the Vice- Chancellor, Professor AAA. Atayero; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor; the
    [Show full text]
  • Nobel for Test-Tube Evolution Controlling Protein Evolution in the Lab Has Led to Greener Technologies and New Medicines
    NEWS IN FOCUS CHEMISTRY Nobel for test-tube evolution Controlling protein evolution in the lab has led to greener technologies and new medicines. BY ELIZABETH GIBNEY, RICHARD VAN breeding a racehorse,” she says. was launched, says co-founder David Chiswell, NOORDEN, HEIDI LEDFORD, DAVIDE In 1985, Smith pioneered a technique that and it struggled to find investors. “Nobody CASTELVECCHI & MATTHEW WARREN uses a bacteriophage — a virus that infects in the world believed that antibodies were bacteria — as a host that displays a protein really good,” says Chiswell, who is now chief ays to speed up and control the on its outer coat, allowing researchers to find executive of Kymab, an antibody company in evolution of proteins to produce other molecules that interact with the protein. Cambridge. greener technologies and new Winter developed and improved this technol- Arnold also faced a battle when she put Wmedicines have won three scientists the 2018 ogy, called phage display, and invented ways forward the idea of evolving proteins in the lab, Nobel Prize in Chemistry. to use it to evolve antibodies adapted for use as says Dane Wittrup, a protein engineer at the Chemical engineer Frances Massachusetts Institute of Tech- Arnold, at the California Insti- nology in Cambridge. Research- tute of Technology in Pasadena, ers thought then that they would is just the second woman to be able to sit down at a computer have won the prize in the past 50 and rationally design proteins to years. She was awarded half of the carry out specific functions. “But 9-million-Swedish-krona (US$1- now, by and large, directed evolu- million) pot.
    [Show full text]
  • Darwinianthe
    WINTER 2018/19 DarwinianTHE From the ends of chromosomes to the food of the future: outstanding research by Darwinians Nobel Laureate and Alumna Elizabeth Blackburn is interviewed by Ron Laskey Possibility of vaccine for Ebola Sustainable food of the future NewS FOR THE DArwin COLLEGE COMMUNITY A Message from Mary Fowler Master 2018 has been a year of espite this year’s intemperate weather, Darwin, our students and Fellows have extremes, February and benefitted from and flourished within March saw biting cold wind our strong community of scholars. and rain for many weeks – the Students and Fellows appreciate the diversity of disciplines and cultures so called ‘Beast from the East’. represented here in our friendly, But then came the summer welcoming and informal College. when the weeks of hot sun DReading through this newsletter what becomes searing down upon us meant apparent (and possibly surprising) is that a place the that the Darwin gardens were size of Darwin has, and is having, such an impact on parched, with grass like straw. the wider world. And what is documented here is Relax, it’s green again now. only the tip of the iceberg. Darwin over its short 54- year existence has produced alumni and Fellows who have, through their research and business acumen, DarwinianTHE 2 “Reading through this newsletter what becomes apparent (and possibly surprising) is that a place the size of Darwin has, and is having, such an impact on the wider world.” changed the world for the better. I am thrilled to be part of it. This term began with a real highlight: we were so pleased that Darwin alumna Elizabeth Blackburn, one of our eight Nobel laureates, visited College.
    [Show full text]
  • Trial Please Esteemed Panel of Researchers
    The Biomedical and Life Sciences Collection • Regularly expanded, constantly updated • Already contains over 700 presentations • Growing monthly to over 1,000 talks “This is an outstanding Seminar style presentations collection. Alongside journals and books no self-respecting library in institutions hosting by leading world experts research in biomedicine and the life sciences should be without access to these talks.” When you want them, Professor Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA as often as you want them “I commend Henry Stewart Talks for the novel and • For research scientists, graduate • Look and feel of face-to-face extremely useful complement to teaching and research.” students and the most committed seminars that preserve each Professor Sir Aaron Klug OM FRS, Nobel Laureate, The Medical senior undergraduates speaker’s personality and Research Council, University of approach Cambridge, UK • Talks specially commissioned “This collection of talks is a and organized into • A must have resource for all seminar fest; assembled by an extremely eminent group of comprehensive series that cover researchers in the biomedical editors, the world class speakers deliver insightful talks illustrated both the fundamentals and the and life sciences whether in with slides of the highest latest advances academic institutions or standards. Hundreds of hours of thought provoking presentations industry on biomedicine and life sciences. • Simple format – animated slides It is an impressive achievement!” with accompanying narration, Professor Herman Waldmann FRS, • Available online to view University of Oxford, UK synchronized for easy listening alone or with colleagues “Our staff here at GSK/Research Triangle Park wishes to convey its congratulations to your colleagues at Henry Stewart for this first-rate collection of talks from such an To access your free trial please esteemed panel of researchers.
    [Show full text]
  • Nobel Prize in Chemistry – 2018 Speeding up Protein Evolution
    GENERAL ARTICLE Nobel Prize in Chemistry – 2018 Speeding Up Protein Evolution Purnananda Guptasarma The 2018 Nobel Prize for Chemistry rewards research on the use of bacteria and viruses to generate and screen highly di- verse protein sequences for improved catalytic and ligand- binding function. One half of the Prize was awarded to Pro- fessor Frances Arnold of the California Institute of Technol- ogy (California, USA). The other half was awarded jointly to Professor George P Smith of the University of Missouri (Columbia, USA) and Professor Sir Gregory P Winter of the Purnananda Guptasarma is Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biol- Professor and Dean of ogy (Cambridge, UK). The three winners have been amongst Research and Development at the tallest of stalwarts in combinatorial approaches to protein the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research engineering. Mohali. He is also Director of the Centre of Excellence in Protein Science, Design and 1. Introduction Engineering at IISER Mohali. He was the Founding Head of Frances Arnold laid the foundations of the field of directing and the Department of Biological Sciences. His work lies mainly speeding-up the evolution of enzymes, using rapid and succes- in the areas of protein science sive cycles of genetic (mutational) changes in genes encoding en- and engineering, and protein zymes of interest. Her methods helped in increasing both the rate design, using the approaches at which changes are introduced in the amino acid sequences of of biophysics, biochemistry, molecular and cellular proteins/enzymes and also the speed with which these changes biology and bioinformatics. can be selected for, in the laboratory, in respect of the improve- ments they confer upon the functioning of an enzyme in a chem- ical process.
    [Show full text]
  • Communicating Biochemistry: Meetings and Events
    © The Authors. Volume compilation © 2011 Portland Press Limited Chapter 3 Communicating Biochemistry: Meetings and Events Ian Dransfield and Brian Beechey Scientific conferences organized by the Biochemical Society represent a key facet of activity throughout the Society’s history and remain central to the present mission of promoting the advancement of molecular biosciences. Importantly, scientific conferences are an important means of communicating research findings, establishing collaborations and, critically, a means of cementing the community of biochemical scientists together. However, in the past 25 years, we have seen major changes to the way in which science is communicated and also in the way that scientists interact and establish collabo- rations. For example, the ability to show videos, “fly through” molecular structures or show time-lapse or real-time movies of molecular events within cells has had a very positive impact on conveying difficult concepts in presentations. However, increased pressures on researchers to obtain/maintain funding can mean that there is a general reluctance to present novel, unpublished data. In addition, the development of email and electronic access to scientific journals has dramatically altered the potential for communi- cation and accessibility of information, perhaps reducing the necessity of attending meetings to make new contacts and to hear exciting new science. The Biochemical Society has responded to these challenges by progressive development of the meetings format to better match the
    [Show full text]
  • Mogrify Raises Additional $16 Million to Advance Its Mission to Transform the Development of Life-Saving Cell Therapies
    PRESS RELEASE 14th October 2019 Mogrify raises additional $16 million to advance its mission to transform the development of life-saving cell therapies Initial close of Series A funding brings the total raised to over $20 million to date Funding will accelerate Mogrify’s internal cell therapy programs, and the development and out-license of novel IP relating to cell conversions of broad therapeutic interest Headcount will increase to 60 scientific, operational and commercial staff located at Mogrify’s state-of-the-art facility on Cambridge Science Park Funding led by Ahren Innovation Capital with significant contribution from Parkwalk and 24Haymarket Cambridge, UK, 14th October 2019: Mogrify Ltd (Mogrify), a UK company aiming to transform the development of life-saving cell therapies, today announced the initial close of its Series A funding. The Company raised $16 million USD in this round, bringing the total investment to over $20 million USD to date. The funding will support internal cell therapy programs, and the development and out-license of novel IP relating to cell conversions of broad therapeutic interest. Mogrify is also actively recruiting, and will increase headcount to 60 scientific, operational and commercial staff located at its state-of-the-art facility on Cambridge Science Park. The funding round was led by existing investor Ahren Innovation Capital (Ahren), an investment fund co- founded by leading UK scientific entrepreneurs, supporting transformational companies at the cutting edge of deep science and deep tech. Parkwalk, the largest EIS growth fund manager, backing businesses with IP-protected innovations creating solutions to real-world challenges, 24Haymarket, an early investor in Mogrify and a prolific early-stage investment syndicate in deep technology and the life sciences, and the University of Bristol Enterprise Fund III, also contributed to the fundraise.
    [Show full text]